How can a molecule grant long-life?

In Dune by Frank Herbert, there is a molecule called melange. Melange, also known as the spice, grants much longer lifespans to those who take it.

How could a molecule grant greatly extended lifespans?

Conditions:

• The people who ingest this molecule are not immortal, merely living in the range of centuries (200-300 years).
• This molecule is not cheap, only the rich are able to obtain it for its miraculous effects.
• A quasi-plausible explanation of how this molecule works is equally important.

Ideas:

• The molecule keeps our cells from removing portions of our telomeres, which are possibly accredited to our aging (although not proven).
• Molecule greatly boosts immune system reactions, preventing disease and infection. This on its own would not keep a person living for multiple centuries, however!

posted about 8 years ago

QuiquÈ…‭

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